- A consultancy contract was awarded to who for the Zambian Tanzania transmission interlink portion of the project, with the World Bank providing funding.
The Zambia–Tanzania Inter-connector Project (ZTIP) has moved a step closer to realisation, marking an important milestone toward linking the Eastern and Southern African Power Pools (EAPP and SAPP) into what could become the world’s largest integrated electricity market. A contract has been awarded for the Provision Of Individual Consultancy Services For Undertaking Enviromental And Safeguard Issues on the Tanzanian side. Read more
WSP has conducted an EIA on the Zambian side. Read more
The project, which is being implemented by Zambia’s national power utility, ZESCO, with support from the World Bank, aims to boost electricity trade, strengthen regional energy security, and unlock economic growth across the region. Once operational, the new transmission line will enable the exchange of electricity between Zambia and Tanzania, allowing countries to share generation reserves and tap into more affordable and diverse energy sources.
The interconnection will also make it possible for Tanzania to export surplus electricity generated from the 2.1 GW Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant, one of Africa’s largest dams, to Zambia and beyond. In turn, the project will help stabilise supply in Zambia and other SAPP countries, many of which have struggled with generation shortfalls.
ZTIP represents the final link needed to connect the Southern and Eastern African power pools, both established to coordinate power trade and strengthen cooperation under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). The integration of these networks is expected to pave the way for broader regional cooperation beyond the energy sector.
The project has been in development since 2013 and has undergone several design optimisations to minimise environmental and social impacts. It involves the construction of over 600 km of transmission infrastructure, including a 386 km 330kV single-circuit line between Pensulo and Kasama, and a 212 km double-circuit line from Kasama to Nakonde. A new 330/132/66kV substation will be built at Nakonde, along with voltage support systems at key substations.
The total investment cost is estimated at around USD 285 million, with the World Bank providing the bulk of the financing, and additional contributions expected from the European Union and the United Kingdom through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The project will be implemented over 24 months, with construction expected to take about 17 months once groundworks begin.
The Zambia–Tanzania inter-connector will not only improve power supply reliability but will also position Zambia as a central hub in Africa’s emerging cross-border electricity trade, reinforcing its role in driving regional energy integration and sustainable economic development.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
